Cal 2 preferred replacement shocks and tachometer?

[brider]

First, the shocks:

Pulling the swingarm now for much-overdue maintenance, and the lower rubber bushing for the right shock disintegrated, and I learned for the first time that the shocks are inked via an air line which was non-functional.

Given that there are 45k miles on the shocks, is it time for a replacement? What is the preferred "affordable" (GC) option? Something from a different, later model, maybe? To be completely honest, I pay attention to shocks from my mtn-biking hobby, and my Cal 2 rear NEVER seemed over/under damped OR sprung incorrectly.

Tachometer:

I bought a nice, new, Speedhut tach from a fellow on this forum, but it won't fit inside the Cal 2 rubber dash housing without painstaking internal rubber sculpting, which I don't want to do. Have the stock tach's ALL failed by now, or does anyone know of a different bolt-in option? Japanese maybe?

I was thinking of adding a digital tach, but I'd want something with big enough numbers for my old-man eyesight without glasses. This is on a Cal 2 automatic where the tach is a curiosity rather than a useable tool, but I'd still like to have a functioning one, anyway.

[Daniel Kalal]

First, the shocks

I am impressed that any Cal2 is still out there with the original Paoli shocks; yours might be the only one.  After about 20,000 miles, mine were just along for the ride.  Any damping you have is likely just from all the friction.  I was happy with IKON shocks (copies of the old Koni shocks) and not especially happy with a couple of different types of Marzocchi shocks that I tried (only because they didn't last long).

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_200&products_id=4473

Have the original tach rebuilt.
http://thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_gauge_repair.html

[brider]

I am impressed that any Cal2 is still out there with the original Paoli shocks; yours might be the only one.   Any damping you have is likely just from all the friction. 

Ha! You might be right on both counts! I couldn't remember the name Ikon, I've seen it before, I'll check it out.

Thanks for the tach info Charlie, I'll check it out.

[bigbikerrick]

As far as the speedhut tach, I installed one in my cal II rubber dash , and it was not a big deal.
I used my dremel with a sanding wheel, and gently made the groove the gauge sits in a little deeper.
It does not need much, just a little bit.
IMHO the way the speedhut tach works, its worth the extra effort, and then no more crappy veglia electronic tach worries.
Rick.

[brider]

...and gently made the groove the gauge sits in a little deeper.
It does not need much, just a little bit.

I wonder what model Speedhut tach you have? The outside diameter of the bezel of my factory tach is 3 3/8", which is the inner diameter of the rubber dash, and the outside bezel is maybe 3/16" tall. My Speedhut tach has a bezel diameter of over 3 1/2", and the bezel is much taller. That's a LOT of rubber-grinding, that might have to wait for later this winter.

[bigbikerrick]

I measured my tach the best I could, installed, and I am pretty sure its 3 1/2" diameter.  the rubber does have some "give" to it. I started grinding, and fitting the tach, once it would squeeze in without distorting the rubber housing, that was it.You want it to fit tight, as thats all that is holding it in place. I think If I did it again, I would go for a white faced tach( like a le mans)The dark blue they offer is not a good match for the veglia blue face.
Rick.

[brider]

I'll be honest, I've never used a dremel, and using one on rubber sounds like a real challenge, but I'll hang on to the tach and consider it.

I still wish I had a wiring diagram into the factory tach, but it looks like it's easy to figure out. Any notes you have on wiring into the Speedhut tach would be appreciated, but I DO have the instructions for the Speedhut. Just need to equate that wiring to the Guzzi wiring.

[bigbikerrick]

If I remember correctly, there are just 3 wires going to the guzzi tach. the 12V +, the ground, and the signal wire from the coil. there is a setup procedure for the speedhut tach, only done initially, its in the instruction sheet they send.
  If you want to send me the rubber dash housing, I would be glad to modify it for you to fit the tach, and send it back to you.
Rick

[sidecarnutz]

Back when I had my old Cali II I noticed the rear end wallowed over bumps in corners. Rear shocks were gone. I bought Progressive air shocks made for a Harley. 13" length. They handled the heavy bike and my plump butt extremely well and I was very happy with them.